Nature Trails
NATURE TRAILS FOUND OUTSIDE STATE FORESTS IN CYPRUS
E4 - Map
Apart from creating trails within State Forests, the Department of Forests as the leading authority for the design and promotion of nature trails, cooperates with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, local authorities and District Administrations for the creation of nature trails outside State Forests. The projects for the creation of such trails are implemented by individual beneficiaries with funding from the relevant forestry measures of the Rural Development Program.
The following is a list showing a total of 31 trails found outside State Forests, along with some general information to provide the visitor with a basic understanding of the trails. It is highlighted that the Department of Forests only holds responsibility for the management and maintenance of trails found within State Forests. For paths found outside State Forests, relevant information can be obtained from the offices of local authorities or found on their webpages.
These trails can be found from the west to the east part of Cyprus, and have been classified into distinct geographical regions.
Explanations
Circular: means the route loops i.e. the visitor returns to the starting point at the end of the route.
Linear: means a one direction trail i.e. when the visitor reaches the end of the trail they must return on the same route.
Degree of difficulty: means a scale from 1 (easiest) to 3 (hardest).
PAFOS
1. AGIASMA TRAIL (CIRCULAR)
Start: 1km from the village of Kathikas towards Pegeia, near Kyparissos restaurant.
Length: 2km
Time: 45 minutes
Degree of difficulty: 1
Points of interest: The trail passes through tall and impressive rocks. It crosses an area of geological interest, while part of the route goes through vineyards. 800m from the starting point there is a stone-built fountain with drinking water. The trail offers excellent views of the Pegeia coastline.
2. ARNIES TRAIL (CIRCULAR)
Start: Pafos-Panagia road, a little outside of Agios Dimtrianos village.
Length: a) 3km (Short route)
b) 4km (Long route)
Time: 1-2 hours (according to the route selected)
Degree of difficulty: 3
Points of interest: The main points of interest on this trail are the cave where, according to tradition, St. Dimitrianos lived as a hermit, and the locality of the natural spring "arnies", from where it took its name. The path passes through vineyards, working farms and hillsides with bushes and isolated trees. It also goes through the village of St. Dimitrianos, where the visitor has access to several facilities like drinking water and toilets.
3. VOUNI TRAIL (CIRCULAR)
Start: The village of Pano Panagia, opposite the Cultural Center, just below the church.
Length: 9.8km
Time: 3 hours
Degree of difficulty: 3
Points of interest: The highest points offer excellent views of Panagia village, Akamas Peninsula, Paphos Forest and the Troodos mountain range. The route passes through vineyards and the Natura 2000 site of "Vouni Panagias". Towards the end, the visitor can choose between two paths. One leads to the Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa and continues on to the village of Panagia. The other, shorter, route leads directly to the village. There is access to the Department’s fire lookout station of Vouni.
LIMASSOL
4. TREIS ELIES TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: Outside the village of Treis Elies
Length: 2.5km
Time: 1 hour
Degree of difficulty: 1
Points of interest: The medieval bridge found at the mill and the bridge of Treis Elies. The trail follows the Treis Elies River, through lush riparian vegetation and orchards with cherry, apple and walnut trees. It also passes by the ruins of Agios Andronicos church.
5. LEMITHOU COMMUNITY TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: Leventis family residence, Lemithou.
Length: 2km
Time: 1 hour
Degree of difficulty: 2
Points of interest: The residence of the Leventis family, the Kremmos Gorge, the Agros River and the chapel of St. George.
NB: The trail can become circular if the visitor walks back through the Treis Elies-Lemithou main road.
6. MILLOMERI WATERFALL TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: Between Platres church and Platres village center, closer to the church. Alternatively, access to vehicles is provided through a dirt road which starts at the Platres-Limassol main road (about 1km from Psilo Dentro restaurant) and ends just before the waterfall.
Length: 1.2km
Time: 0.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 3
Points of interest: The trail leads to Millomeri waterfall, passing through rich vegetation. The first part, around half-way in, follows a direction parallel to the Kryos River. The second part leads to an open mountainous area displaying garrigue and maquis vegetation and excellent views to the south.
7. KASTROVOUNOS TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: Within the Kato Platres village
Length: 800m
Time: 0.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 2
Points of interest: The trail is located in the forest of Kato Platres, towards the west of the village. From various points along the path the visitor can enjoy views of the surrounding areas of Limassol, Troodos National Forest Park and Pafos Forest. The trail is well lit and is ideal for hiking at night.
8. DYMES-PELENDRI TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: Dymes village
Length: 4.5km
Time: 1.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 1
Points of interest: An old path that traditionally connected Dymes and Pelendri villages. It runs through orchards, pine forests and past the "Deisi" locality, also known as the throne of the Virgin Mary. On the trail there is a fountain with drinking water. In August 2007, a fire broke out in the area, burning the vegetation along much of the route.
9. ARSOS TRAIL (linear)
Start: In Arsos village, at the “Athkies” fountain found on the Arsos-Agios Nikolaos main road. If followed in the opposite direction, the trail starts from the “Poullin” fountain found in the western part of the village.
Length: 2km
Time: 45 minutes
Degree of difficulty: 1
Points of interest: The route follows the river from the "Athkies" to the "Poullin" fountains, passing two other old fountains. It then branches off towards the medieval chapel of Panagia and the traditional oil mill.
10. KALEVOUNARI TRAIL (CIRCULAR)
Start: North-east from the picnic site of Polemidia, in the Kalevounari Park of Pano Polemidia village.
Length: 1.5km
Time: 0.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 1
Points of interest: Along the path there are excellent views of the Cape, the villages located west of Limassol and the Troodos Mountains.
11. GERMASOGEIA WEIR TRAIL (CIRCULAR)
Start: The Foinikaria-Prasteio road, on the east side of the Germasogeia Weir.
Length: 1.3km
Time: 0.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 1
Points of interest: The trail loops around a small peninsula in the weir, to which various fish species have been introduced. Fishing is allowed with permission from the Department of Fisheries. The south route is a small path of 150m long, where the visitor can see and study the native Zoulatzia bush (Bosea cypria).
12.AGROS–KATO MYLOS TRAIL (CIRCULAR)
Start: Near “Rodon” hotel, Agros (North).
Length: 6km
Time: 2 hours
Degree of difficulty: 2
Points of interest: On this trail one passes orchards with apple, cherry and pear trees, grapevines and rosebushes (Rosa damascena). The renowned Agros rose water is produced from the latter. Wooded areas are also crossed, offering pleasant views of the surrounding area. The last part of the route follows the tarmac road leading to Agros.
NICOSIA
13.ARIADNE TRAIL (CIRCULAR)
Start: On the Gerakies-Kykkos Monastery road, shortly after Gerakies, near the Tree Tops hotel
Length: 3.3km
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 3
Points of interest: Nice views and the possibility to visit the fire Look – out station at Kavallos, the highest point of the route. It passes through the picturesque village of Gerakies in the Marathasa Valley, built on a hillside with lush vegetation, on the fringe of Pafos forest. The route climbs south of Tree Tops Hotel and descends to loop back to the Gerakies-Kykkos main road for about 800m before reaching the starting point.
14.KALOPANAYIOTIs-OIKOs TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: Within the village of Kalopanayiotis. At a point on the downhill road which connects the village center with Agios Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery
Length: 4km
Time: 1.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 2
Points of interest: Crossing private fields with vines and fruit trees and passing by the "Kykkos water mill" located near Setrachos River with its lush vegetation. The trail follows on, passing an old stone-built bridge which was used to carry water for the irrigation of the orchards. The route passes by the hot springs of Kalopanayiotis and the Agios Ioannis Lambadistis (Saint John the Illuminator) Monastery, which is included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. It then follows the Setrachos River for a short while, before it ascends to the village of Oikos. Then it descends again to the river, reaching the starting point of the gorge.
15. ARCHANGELOS – MYLOS TIS RODOUS TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: Archangelos church, Galata village.
Length: 1km
Time: 15-20 minutes
Degree of difficulty: 1
Points of interest: Archangelos church, the rich riverside vegetation of the Klarios river flowing parallel to the trail and the old buildings of Rodous mill. Situated 200m from Archangelos church, the church of Panagia Podithou can be found, which is included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List (whc.unesco.org).
16. LAGOUDERA - AGROS TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: (a) On the rural road between Lagoudera and the Chandria-Polystypos main road, about 700m from Lagoudera. Not far from the Lagoudera-Stavros tou Agiasmati trail starting point.
(b) From Agros. On the Agros bypass road, at a point over the weir.
Length: 6km
Time: 2.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 3
Points of interest: The path goes through vineyards and orchards with cultivations such as apple, cherry and pear trees. The first section, from Lagoudera, follows a path parallel to the river which crosses the village. At the Madari-Papoutsa ridge, a panoramic view to all directions is offered. After the ridge, it is possible to follow the trail towards Madari using the access road and trail network which starts from the top of Adelfi Forest.
17. LAGOUDERA/AGROS- MADARI TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: (a) On the Agros bypass road, at a point above the weir.
(b) On the Chandria-Polystypos main road, towards Lagoudera. Access from the rural road before Lagoudera.
These two paths are joined at the Chandria-Polystypos-Agros main road, 800m before the point in the road which leads to the top of Adelfi Forest and the Madari fire observatory.
Length:(a) 7km
Time: (a) 3 hours
(b) 3.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 3
Points of interest: Panoramic views at both routes.
18. POLYSTYPOs hazelNUT forest trail (linear)
Start: Northeast of Polystypos village at the “Vrysi” (or “Kato Vrysi”) locality
Length: 1.3km
Time: 30-45 minutes
Degree of difficulty: 2
Points of interest: The fountain which supplied the village’s oldest neighbourhood with water, the path through the village’s orchards and the hazelnut forest. The large walnut tree near the trench of “Makroulis” and the ancient oak of Chatzimathaiou dated at around 840 years old, found at the end of the trail.
19. PANO AMBELIA TRAIL (CIRCULAR)
Start: On the Palechori-Askas road, at the east entrance to Askas village.
Length: km
Time: 0.5-1 hour
Degree of difficulty: 3
Points of interest: The trail passes through pine forest and past orchards which have been abandoned in order to restore natural vegetation and others containing hazelnut and walnut trees. The trail also has views of the Pentadaktylos mountain range.
20. PETROS VANEZIS TRAIL (CIRCULAR)
Start: Two points on the main road of Alona village. The first point is found near the Alona Cooperative Bank and the second is about 300m south of this, near the village church.
Length: 1.5km
Time: 0.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 3
Points of interest: Alona is one of the most beautiful villages of Pitsilia, with stone-built houses and green scenery. The trail passes through dense plantations of cherry, apple and almond trees and reaches the river (within a Natura 2000 site).
21. GOURRI TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: Gourri village. Access from the main road from Nicosia towards the cemetery, at the traditional fountain.
Length: 3km
Time: 1 hour
Degree of difficulty: 2
Points of interest: The flora of the area and the traditional dry-stone walls. At the end of the trail there is a natural waterfall.
22. ΜACHAIRAS-LAZANIAS TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: (a) 500m form Machairas Monastery
(b) Lazanias village
Length: 3km
Time: 1 hour
Degree of difficulty: 3
Points of interest: It crosses Pedieos River, exhibiting rich flora and fauna. It is part of the European E4 trail. It connects with the Lazanias-Fikardou trail.
23. LAZANIAS-FIKAROU TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: (a) 200m after the village of Lazanias. Ends in the village of Fikardou.
(b) Fikardou village
Length: 2km
Time: 45 minutes
Degree of difficulty: 2
Points of interest: The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas. It exhibits rich flora and fauna. It is part of the European E4 trail. It connects to Machairas-Lazanias and Fikardou- Archontides center trails.
24. FIKARDOU-ARCHONTIDES CENTER (LINEAR)
Start: (a) Fikardou village church
(b) At the Archontides center, from the Kalo Chorio-Farmakas road.
Length: 5km
Time: 1.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 2
Points of interest: Follows the ridge which provides excellent views of the surrounding areas and of Nicosia. There is rich flora and fauna. It is part of the European E4 trail. It connects to the Lazanias- Fikardou trail.
LARNACA
25. CHOIROKOITIA TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: On the road towards Choirokoitia, immediately after the parking lot of the archaeological site, opposite the turning for Tochni and the churches of Agios Fanourios and Agios Nektarios. The trail is also accessible in the opposite direction, from the village of Choirokoitia towards the archaeological site.
Length: 2km
Time: 45 minutes
Degree of difficulty: 2
Points of interest: Choirokoitia archaeological site, one of the most important settlements of the Neolithic period which is included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List.
26. PANAGIA TIS AGAPIS-VAVLA TRAIL (CIRCULAR)
Start: In the center of Vavla village.
Length: 10.5km
Time: 3-4 hours
Degree of difficulty: 2
Points of interest: The trail starts at the village center and follows the path along rural roads, passing the church of Panagia tis Agapis just 3km later. From the church, follow marked the footpath, crossing St. Minas River, and join the rural road which runs along the ridge offering panoramic views. Part of the trail, about 2km, runs along the course of the river where the visitor can enjoy lush riverside vegetation.
27. LEFKARA TRAIL-KATO DRYS (LINEAR)
Start: In the village of Pano Lefkara, at the road which leads to Vavatsinia.
Length: 2.5km
Time: 1 hour
Degree of difficulty: 3 (descending trail)
Points of interest: Connects Pano Lefkara with Kato Drys through rural areas. Linked to Lefkara-Metamorfoseos tou Sotiros church trail, with great views in all directions.
28. LEFKARA-METAMORFOSEOS TOU SOTIROS CHURCH TRAIL (CIRCULAR)
Start: The trail can start from either of two points, 600m apart, in the village of Pano Lefkara on the road that leads to Vavatsinia.
Length: 2.3km
Time: 1.5 hours
Degree of difficulty: 2
Points of interest: Panoramic views of Pano and Kato Lefkara, Kato Drys, towards the Dipotamos dam and the Agios Minas Monastery with excellent views in all directions including Stavrovouni. To make the route circular, follow the main road to Vavatsinia for about 600m during the final section of the trail. Links to the Lefkara-Kato Drys trail.
FAMAGUSTA
29. PROFITIS ILIAS-KONNOI TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: (a) Profitis Ilias church in Protaras. Access from the Cape Greko-Paralimni road.
(b) Konnos beach, between Protaras and Cape Greko
Length: 8.5km
Time: 3 hours
Degree of difficulty: 1
Points of interest: Panoramic views from the Profitis Ilias church. Passes from the Agioi Saranda and Agios Ioannis churches. The route ends at Konnos beach. Links to the Panagia-Agioi Saranda, Panagia-Agios Ioannis, Konnos-Agioi Anargyroi and Konnos-Spilia tou Kyklopa trails. The trail has a parallel course and can be combined with the European E4 trail.
30. PANAGIA-AGIOS IOANNIS TRAIL (LINEAR)
Start: (a) Panagia church. Found 300m in on a side road on the left, off the Cape Greko-Protaras main road (Cape Greko to Protaras direction).
(b) Agios Ioannis church. Access from Protaras via dirt road. Links with the Profitis Ilias-Konnoi and Panagia-Agioi Saranda trails.
Length: 2.8km
Time: 45 minutes
Degree of difficulty: 1
Points of interest: The picturesque churches of Agios Ioannis and Agioi Saranda. Part of the trail runs parallel to and can be combined with the European E4 trail.
31. PANAGIA-AGIOI SARANDA (LINEAR)
Start: (a) Panagia church. Found 300m in on a side road on the left, off the Cape Greko-Protaras main road (Cape Greko to Protaras direction).
(b) Agioi Saranda. Access from Protaras via dirt road. Links to the Profitis Ilias-Konnoi and Panagia-Agios Ioannis trails.
Length: 2.5km
Time: 45 minutes
Degree of difficulty: 1
Points of interest: The picturesque church of Agioi Saranda. Part of the trail runs parallel to and can be combined with the European E4 trail.
Related Files:
E4Cyprus-Map.pdf
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